alma mater

noun

al·​ma ma·​ter ˌal-mə-ˈmä-tər 

1

: a school, college, or university which one has attended or from which one has graduated

went to a class reunion at his alma mater

2

: the song or hymn of a school, college, or university

"Hey, Harvard boy, sing your alma mater!" shouted an obnoxious producer.

—Phil Kloer

Examples of alma mater in a Sentence

I visited my old alma mater last week.

Recent Examples on the Web

Aside from the commercial success, Packer credits his strong relationships throughout his life as a way to propel him forward, like his beloved fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, lifelong friends he’s made at his alma mater FAMU, and invaluable industry connections. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025

Since Sonoma State announced its intentions to cut all athletic programs due to major budget trouble, Wells is aiming to shine a light on the issue in hopes of helping save the sports at his alma mater. —Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025

Valerie Kinloch, a Johnson C. Smith University alumna, returned in 2023 to lead her alma mater as its new president. —Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025

Over the years, the foundation has donated to various causes, from making a $1.625 million contribution and multi-year commitment to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America to donating $5 million to a new football center at his alma mater Texas Tech University. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, fostering mother

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

alma mater

noun

al·​ma ma·​ter ˌal-mə-ˈmät-ər 

: a school, college, or university that one has attended

Etymology

Latin, literally "fostering mother," from almus "nourishing" (from alire "to nourish") and mater "mother" — related to alimentary, maternal